Afro-American Cultural Center in Charlotte, NC was started in the 1970s by a black woman named Mary Harper. Mary was a black assistant professor of English that was watching the world around her and feeling that black areas were being demolished. She was afraid that her culture would be gone if there weren't any measured taken to preserve the history and culture of the Afro-American. One of her courses in college required that she do a project showing that some change in society would be assured. Since the community she lived was interested in preserving the history, Mary started the African-American cultural center, not only for her course but also to help preserve her heritage. Many other professors became interested in her project as well as other Afro-Americans. Many volunteered their services as well as helping with raising funds.
Their purpose and missions in the Afro-American Cultural Center are to be a resource center for inquiries about the history and culture of the Afro-American. They also serve to help educate others as well as to nurture the creativity of the center. Their main goals, however, are to preserve and promote the culture, history, art and history of the African American.
The Afro-American Cultural Center has many items for sale. Some of these are sold to help with the center while others go towards different charities like the American Cancer Center, etc. Excellent artwork on display at the center is also for sale. The Cultural Center has an attic theatre for concerts, lectures and meetings. For outdoor festivals or concerts, they also have a beautiful amphitheater. Both of these are for rent for any groups interested.
